MD of Taber February 24 Council tackles key issues 

Posted on April 16, 2026 by Vauxhall Advance

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Municipal District of Taber (MD of Taber) Council convened recently to address a wide range of topics, from public safety updates to significant infrastructure investments and land management strategies. Here’s a closer look at the highlights from the meeting.

Sgt. Stewart Gemmill of the Taber/Vauxhall RCMP provided an update on January’s policing activities. The detachment laid charges in three criminal investigations and reported five break-and-enter complaints, with charges pending in two cases. Additionally, three fraud investigations are ongoing, and two vehicles were damaged while parked overnight in Enchant and Barnwell.

Sgt. Gemmill emphasized the Alberta RCMP’s new process for engaging Council in setting annual priorities, which now allows for mid-year adjustments to address emerging community concerns. Council was encouraged to begin considering priorities for the 2026/27 fiscal year, building on the current focus areas of traffic safety, community relations, and property crime reduction. While some crime statistics showed improvement—such as a 100 per cent decrease in vehicle thefts and thefts under $5,000—break-and-enters saw a 200 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, albeit with a small rise in actual occurrences (from one to three).

The adoption of the February 10 meeting minutes took place, in which Council approved several major equipment purchases to support municipal operations.

These include:

• Two Model 150 Graders from Finning for $1,201,200.

• A Highway Tractor from Southland International for $228,400.

• A Tandem Axle Dump Truck from Southland International for $296,100.

• A Wheel Loader from Rocky Mountain Equipment for $375,000.

The adoption of minutes from two public hearings from February 10 took place, in which discussions to proposed bylaws related to the Ben Dyck Area Structure Plan (Bylaw 2028) and amendments to the Land Use Bylaw (Bylaw 2029) were the focus. These changes aim to facilitate the development of Grouped Country Mixed-Use parcels and were presented as complementary measures to promote orderly growth while minimizing land use conflicts.

Land use and leasing were very prominent topics on the agenda. Council acknowledged the upcoming expiration of tax recovery grazing leases on February 28, 2026. To provide stability for current leaseholders, Council is considering a resolution to maintain their status until a new grazing lease policy is finalized.

Council also discussed a municipal access agreement with Xplore Inc. for the installation of buried broadband fiber optics. This project, supported by the Universal Broadband Fund, is expected to enhance connectivity in both rural and urban areas, fostering economic growth and competition.

The feasibility study and master plan for the Taber Regional Airport were on the agenda, outlining short, medium, and long-term recommendations. Council directed administration to explore several initiatives, including applying for CBSA/CANPASS Airport of Entry status, selling leases at the Vauxhall Airport, and extending lease terms to 30 years.

Other Notable Discussions included the sale of a lot in Enchant to Corny and Lena Giesbrecht for $64,800. The couple plans to build a 1,400 sq. ft. single-family home with an attached garage. Additionally, the outdated Bylaw Enforcement Officer Policy was considered for cancellation, reflecting the district’s shift to an intermunicipal partnership with the Town of Taber and Taber Police Services for bylaw enforcement.

The Council’s discussions and decisions underscore its focus on balancing growth, safety, and community needs. From infrastructure upgrades to land management and economic development, the Municipal District of Taber is laying the groundwork for a prosperous future. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and share their input as the district continues to evolve.